Regions

Credit Suisse Group said that the Rio Tinto Group and Anglo American Plc could partner with BHP Billiton Ltd for the latter's potash project. The world's biggest mining firm is looking for potential partners in its potash mine operation in Canada valued at USD 15 billion.

Credit Suisse Resources Analyst Paul McTaggart told Bloomberg in an interview, that, "A logical partner would probably be someone like a Rio Tinto or another major miner. You probably wouldn't want a fertilizer player in there because of access to production and pricing information."

On the other hand, BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mackenzie told reporters that his company was already talking with potential partners who are interested to purchase a stake in the project. BHP had already approved USD 2.6 billion to spend for surface infrastructure and shafts for the potash mine in Jansen. McTaggart added, "Rio may view Jansen as a viable option, depending on price, with a stake of about 35 percent perhaps making sense. Other potential partners include Anglo American, whom they've worked with in the past."